Langimage
English

anti-liturgical

|an-ti-lit-ur-gi-cal|

C2

🇺🇸

/ˌæn.ti.lɪˈtɝ.dʒɪ.kəl/

🇬🇧

/ˌæn.tɪ.lɪˈtɜː.dʒɪ.kəl/

against liturgy

Etymology
Etymology Information

'anti-liturgical' is formed in English from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti', meaning 'against') combined with 'liturgical' (relating to 'liturgy').

Historical Evolution

'liturgical' ultimately comes from Greek 'leitourgia' (λειτουργία) meaning 'public service, worship', via Latin and Middle English; 'anti-' is a Greek prefix meaning 'against', and the modern compound 'anti-liturgical' arose in English by combining these elements.

Meaning Changes

Originally the elements meant 'against' + 'public worship/service'; over time the compound has come to mean specifically 'opposed to liturgy or formal ritual in worship' in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

opposed to or rejecting liturgy or formal liturgical forms of worship; not conforming to established ceremonial worship practices.

The group adopted an anti-liturgical approach, favoring spontaneous prayer over formal services.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/11/02 22:32